Lavatory system

ABSTRACT

A lavatory system configured to accommodate a first person and a second person having different physical abilities than the first person is disclosed. The lavatory system includes a first station having a first upper surface and a second station having a second upper surface. The first upper surface is laterally and vertically offset from the second upper surface so that the first station is configured to accommodate the physical abilities of the first person and the second station is configured to accommodate the physical abilities of the second person.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The Present Application is a division of, and claims the benefit ofpriority as available under 35 U.S.C. § 121 to, co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/116,335, filed on Apr. 4, 2002.

The drawings and figure descriptions of the following U.S. patentapplication are hereby incorporated herein by reference: U.S. DesignPatent Application No. 29/158,504 titled “MULTIPLE TIER LAVATORY DECK”filed Apr. 4, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. D477,060.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lavatory system. More particularly,the present invention relates to a lavatory system with a multiple tierlavatory deck.

It is known to install a lavatory system in a public, commercial orindustrial non-residential environment such as a restroom. Such knownlavatory systems typically include one or more stations that providelavatory services to one or more users. Such known lavatory systems alsotypically include a countertop, a backsplash, one or more wash basins(with drains), accommodating one or more faucets, and are adopted forplumbing to be coupled to the faucets (and drains). In such knownlavatory decks, the countertop, is typically mounted to comply withAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines forBuildings and Facilities and Uniform Accessibility Standards forLavatories.

However, such known lavatory systems may not be conveniently oradequately usable or accessible by system users having various physicalabilities. By designing the lavatory system for a particular physicalability, the lavatory system may be difficult, inconvenient oruncomfortable to use by users having other physical abilities.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide for a lavatory deckthat provides convenient and adequate access for various physicalabilities of potential users. It would also be advantageous to provide alavatory deck that provides access at multiple levels. It would furtherbe advantageous to provide an integral lavatory deck having multiplelevel washing stations. It would further be advantageous to provide alavatory deck with an accessory mounting structure. It would bedesirable to provide for a multiple tier lavatory deck having one ormore of these or other advantageous features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lavatory system configured toaccommodate a first person and a second person having different physicalabilities than the first person. The lavatory system comprises a firststation having a first upper surface and a second station having asecond upper surface. The first upper surface is laterally andvertically offset from the second upper surface so that the firststation is configured to accommodate the physical abilities of the firstperson and the second station is configured to accommodate the physicalabilities of the second person.

The present invention also relates to an integral lavatory systemconfigured to accommodate a first person and a second person havingdifferent physical abilities than the first person. The lavatory systemcomprises a first station having a first upper surface and a secondstation integral with the first station and having a second uppersurface. The first upper surface is laterally and vertically offset fromthe second upper surface so that the first station is configured toaccommodate the physical abilities of the first person and the secondstation is configured to accommodate the physical abilities of thesecond person.

The present invention further relates to a lavatory system configured toaccommodate a first person and a second person having different physicalabilities than the first person. The lavatory system comprises a firststation having a first upper surface, a second station having a secondupper surface, and a third station having a third upper surface andlocated between the first and second stations. The first, second, andthird upper surfaces are laterally and vertically offset from each otherso that the first, and second station is configured to accommodate thephysical abilities of the first person and the third station isconfigured to accommodate the physical abilities of the second person.

The present invention further relates to various features andcombinations of features shown and described in the disclosedembodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lavatory system according to apreferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the lavatory system of FIG. 1with an accessory mounting structure.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the lavatory system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the lavatory system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lavatory system according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lavatory system according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lavatory system according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lavatory system according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the lavatory system of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-5 show a multilevel lavatory system 10 according to a preferredembodiment. Lavatory system 10 is configured to accommodate personshaving varying abilities for using a lavatory system (e.g., disabled,tall, short, etc.). In addition to the ease of manufacturing andinstallation, lavatory system 10 incorporates a unitary lavatorysubassembly that is efficient to manufacture, has a minimum number ofcomponents, and provides an independent hand-washing station for usershaving varying physical attributes or abilities to attend to theirwashing needs. Also, this provides each user with an adequate sense ofprivacy while washing at a spaced distance from the next person usingthe lavatory system.

Lavatory system 10 includes a lavatory deck 12, a mounting arrangementconfigured to attach lavatory system 10 to an adjacent wall 16, a drainsystem 18 (shown in FIG. 2) disposed below lavatory deck 12, and a trapcover 20 configured to enclose plumbing system 18. Lavatory system 10may be configured for attachment to a surface (such as wall 16 of arestroom or other area where it may be desirable to provide a lavatoryservices) with a plurality of connection points. Alternatively, thelavatory system may be configured as a free-standing structure. Adjacentwall 16 may be provided with the plumbing source (including both (oreither) a hot and cold water supply, preferably combined with athermostatic mixing valve, or a tempered water supply, a drain, etc.)and an optional source such as an electrical outlet (preferablyproviding 110 volts GFCI).

Lavatory deck 12 includes an arcuate countertop 22 with a backsplash 24extending upwardly from countertop 22, and a front apron 26 extendingdownwardly from countertop 22.

Countertop 22 may be configured in any of a variety of constructionsintended to promote the drainage of spilled or splashed water to drainfrom countertop 22. Countertop 22 includes an upper surface 30 of alower station 32 having a concave surface (e.g., the profile of themajor surface has a first curvature) and an upper surface 34 of an upperstation 36 having a convex surface (e.g., the profile of the majorsurface has a second curvature that is different than the firstcurvature). According to a preferred embodiment, countertop 22 includesa curved surface configured to prevent water from collecting (or“ponding”), to allow the excess, splashed, or spilled fluids to draintoward a bowl 28, and to facilitate clean-up. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3,first station 32 is visually integral with second station 36 (andpresents countertop 22 as a substantially continuous curved countertop)as visible from a front elevation view (e.g. FIG. 3) or a frontperspective view (e.g. FIG. 1). According to an exemplary embodiment,the curved surface has a radius of curvature of between about 50 inchesand 65 inches. According to a preferred embodiment, the curved surfacehas a radius of curvature of between about 55 inches and 60 inches.According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the curved surface hasa radius of curvature of about 57 inches. Alternatively, the curvedsurface may have any of a variety of radii. According to an alternativeembodiment, the lavatory deck has a sloped surface, a pitched surface.According to an alternative embodiment, the lavatory deck comprises twoor more surfaces in a generally horizontal plane that are offsetvertically an horizontally.

Lower station 32 and upper station 36 are configured to provide lavatoryservice and to accommodate persons having varying abilities for usingthe lavatory system (e.g., disabled, tall, short, etc.). According toany preferred embodiment, one or more stations of lavatory system 10 aremounted at a standard height that is designed to comply with theAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines forBuildings and Facilities and Uniform Accessibility Standards forLavatories. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the heightof the upper surface of the lavatory deck is approximately 34 inches(865 millimeters), provides a lower clearance (i.e., from the floor tothe bottom of the apron) of at least 29 inches (735 millimeters) or lessabove the floor, and is equipped with a set of ADA compliant faucetassemblies. According to any preferred embodiment, lavatory system 10 ismounted with a counter surface no higher than thirty-one inches.

According to an exemplary embodiment, lower and upper stations 32, 36,are offset from each other to accommodate persons having varyingabilities for using the lavatory system (e.g., disabled, tall, short,etc). Also, the offset station design is intended to provide theindividual users of the lavatory system personal hand-washing space.According to a preferred embodiment, lower station 32 is offsetvertically and laterally from upper station 36. Lower station 32 ismounted at a height that intended to comply with American NationalStandards Institute (ANSI) and ADA accessibility standards. According toa preferred embodiment, arcuate profile of the adjacent upper surfaces30, 34 provide a corresponding transition 33 between concave and convex.Referring to FIG. 3, lavatory system 10 comprises a center or a middleof the first upper surface 34 that is spaced a first distance (H1) froma floor and a center or a middle of the second upper surface 30 that isspaced a second distance (H2) from the floor. The first distance H1 isgreater than the second distance H2.

Lower and upper stations 32, 36 each includes a basin or receptacle(shown as bowl 28) and a faucet assembly 38. Lower and upper stations32, 36 may also include a dispenser attached to countertop 22 adjacentbowl 28 and an overflow conduit. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, basin orbowl 28 of lower station 32 is located at a height that is differentthan the basin 28 of upper station 36 relative to the floor (e.g., theheight or distance that bowl 28 of lower station 32 is from or relativeto the floor is less than the height or distance that bowl 28 of upperstation 36 is from or relative to the floor. According to a preferredembodiment shown in FIG. 4, bowl 28 is attached to a bottom surface ofcountertop 22, and has an upper periphery that is sized to be larger (orapproximately the same) than the aperture is countertop (e.g., so thatthe bowl reveal seam is hidden). According to a particularly embodiment,the adhesive used for attaching any separate component of the lavatorydeck (e.g., the bowl to the countertop) is the MA 600 Adhesivecommercially available from LTW Plexus of Danvers, Md. Bowl 28 may beattached by any number of a variety of methods of attachment includingan adhesive, a fastener with a gasket, or the like), or separatecomponent may be a drop-in component configured to be attached to uppersurface 30, 34 of countertop 22 by any number of a variety of methods ofattachment (including fasteners, adhesive, friction, or the like).According to an alternative embodiment, bowl 28 may be any number of avariety of shapes and configurations. As shown in FIG. 2, the top ofbasin or bowl 28 for at least one of the upper station and lower stationmay be generally horizontal. According to an exemplary embodiments, twoor more differently configured (e.g., size, shape, etc.) are provided.According to an alternative embodiment the bowl is an integrally formedcomponent of lavatory deck 12. According to another exemplaryembodiment, the bowls are formed (e.g., molded or cast) with thelavatory deck. According to an exemplary embodiment, the drainage forbowls 28 is provided by a plurality of linear holes 46 in the bottom ofeach bowl 28.

Front apron 26 is designed to provide a contoured frontal surface toconceal certain components of lavatory system 10 and may have any numberof a variety of contours or shapes. According to a preferred embodimentshown in FIG. 3, front apron 26 extends downward from countertop 22 andconceals a portion of trap cover 20 that attaches to a bottom surface 42of countertop 22 and includes a generally planer horizontal lowersurface 45 so that the lower surface 45 of apron 26 at lower station 32is vertically aligned with the lower surface 45 of apron 26 at upperstation 36. According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, anapron 43 is contoured (e.g., curved or arcuate). (For example, apron 43extends down from countertop 22 by a consistent value or dimension.)According to alternative embodiments, the apron may have any of avariety of configurations.

Backsplash 24 is designed to protect the wall adjacent to countertop 22(e.g., from water splashed from the hand-washing lower and upperstations 32, 36 or other physical damage). The lower edge of apron 26and the upper edge of the backsplash 24 have horizontal edges such thatthe arcuate or curved surface is provided by the countertops.

According to a preferred embodiment, countertop 22 includes a liquidbarrier 44 (shown as a ridge or rib) is located between each of stations32, 36 and is configured to prevent liquids from the upper station 36from draining towards lower station 32. Barrier 44 projects (or steppedup) from upper surfaces 30, 34 of countertop 22. According to analternative embodiment, the liquid barrier can be a projection, slot,channel, or the like.

Lavatory deck 12 may be made from any of a variety of solid surfacematerials, stainless steel, laminates, fiberglass, and the like.According to a particular preferred embodiment, the lavatory deck ismade from a densified solid surface material composed of an acrylicmodified polyester resin that complies with ANSI Z124.3 and Z124.6.According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the surface materialis of a type commercially available under the trade name TERREON® fromBradley Corporation of Menomonee Falls, Wis. The lavatory deck isintended to be resistant to chemicals, stains, burns, and impact suchthat surface damage can easily be repaired with everyday cleaners orfine grit abrasives. According to a preferred embodiment, lavatory deck12 is molded from a mixture of resin, filler, pigment, and catalyst,which forms a liquid when combined. The liquid mixture is poured or castinto a gel-coated fiberglass mold at a filler hole (i.e., “mold hole”).According to an alternative embodiment, filler holes are located midwaybetween the basins.

A method of forming the lavatory deck according to a particularlypreferred embodiment is as follows: (a) the mold is coated with a gel;(b) the resin, filler, pigment, and catalyst are each measured and aremixed; (c) the liquid mixture is cast or injected into a filler hole ofthe gel-coated fiberglass mold and allowed to cure until it can beremoved from the mold; (d) the lavatory deck is removed from the moldand post-cured (e.g., heated to further rune and relief internalstresses); (e) the flash is removed from the lavatory deck; (f) thesurface is prepared by polishing, sanding, or other finishing processes;(g) any additional operations (e.g., machining, drilling holes andadding inserts, or the like) are done prior to shipping and/orassembling the lavatory system. According to alternative embodiments,the mold is prepared according to the desired lavatory deckconfiguration with inserts and blocks.

According to exemplary embodiments, the lavatory deck may be integrallymolded to include certain combinations of its components, such as thecountertop, back splashguard and the front apron. According toalternative embodiments, the lavatory deck can be integrally molded toinclude additional or other combinations of components, such as one orboth of the side aprons, the backsplash and/or or other of the sidesplashguards. According to other alternative embodiments, the lavatorydeck can be integrally formed (e.g. integrally molded or cast) into anyof a variety of shapes and sizes, having any of a variety of dimensionsand geometries (e.g., curved or other forms) that may or may not requireor include certain of the components.

Trap cover 20 is configured to enclose drain system 18 and anyelectrical supply/components, and conceal components below countertopsand all supply and waste connections. Trap cover is attached tocountertop 22 and/or adjacent wall 16 by fasteners (shown as screws).According to a preferred embodiment, trap cover 20 is designed to complywith all ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities, andUniform Accessibility. Standards for Lavatories. Trap cover 20 has anupper lip configured to rest against bottom surface 42 of countertop 22and provide a plurality of apertures for fasteners configured to securetrap cover 20 to countertop 22. According to an exemplary embodiment,the trap cover is a hair cell textured Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene(ABS) plastic with dull finish. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an individualtrap cover 20 is mounted at each lower and upper station 32, 36.According to an alternative embodiment, a single trap cover spanssubstantially the width of the lavatory deck to cover the plumbingsystem of more than one station.

Faucet assembly 38 includes an activation mechanism (not shown), asensor (shown as an infrared sensor 48) and conduit (not shown).Activation mechanism is configured to permit and prohibit water flowaccording to an input. Infrared sensor 48 include a sender and areceiver, and is configured to send an output signal when the userplaces his or her hands near bowl 28. According to alternativeembodiments, the faucet assembly may be activated by any number of avariety commercially available sensors (including mechanical metering,infrared activation, battery operated infrared, battery operatedinfrared with temperature control infrared activation). According to apreferred embodiment, the detection area for infrared sensor 48 does notexceed the perimeter of bowl 28. According to an alternative embodiment,the sensor may be a separate fixture mounted to the countertop.According to any preferred embodiment, the faucet assembly may be any ofa variety of conventional or commercial available faucet assemblies.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, faucet assembly is a“no-touch” faucet in the form of a Bradley Futura Model 900 adaptivesensor module commercially available from Bradley Fixtures Corporationof Menomonee Falls, Wis. Infrared sensor 48 electronically activates atwenty-four volt solenoid valve using a 24-volt AC, 50/60 Hz powersupply; faucet assembly 38 includes chrome-plated, solid cast brass bodywith a center-shank-mounting. According to an alternative embodiment,faucet assembly 38 may be any number of a variety of commerciallyavailable water delivery fixtures including those having manuallyoperated activation mechanisms.

According to alternative embodiments, shown in FIGS. 5-9 the size of thelavatory system may be varied and may provide one or more number ofhand-washing stations having any variety of spacing configurations.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a lavatory system 50 according to an alternativeembodiment. Lavatory system 50 includes three stations (shown as anupper station 52, an upper station 54, and a lower station 56). Upperstations 52, 54 include an upper surface 58 that is offset (i.e.,vertically and laterally) from an upper surface 60 of lower station 56.As such, lower station 56 is configured to comply with ANSI and ADAaccessibility standards. Upper stations 52, 54 of lavatory system 50 areconfigured to provide comfortable and convenient accessibility topersons having other physical abilities. According to an alternativeembodiment, the lavatory system includes two stations with uppersurfaces that are vertically offset lower than the upper surface of thethird station. According to an alternative embodiment, the lavatorysystem includes stations that have three (or more) different uppersurface heights. According to an alternative embodiment, the lavatorysystem includes two adjacent stations with upper surfaces that arevertically offset higher than the upper surface of the third station.According to an alternative embodiment, the lavatory system includes twoadjacent stations with upper surfaces that are vertically offset lowerthan the upper surface of the third station. These two adjacent stationshaving comparable heights may be located at either end or side of thelavatory system (e.g., left or right). According to alternativeembodiments, the lavatory system may have any of a variety ofcombinations of “higher” or “lower” stations arranged in any of avariety of order or configuration. According to further alternativeembodiments, the lavatory may have any number of stations arranged attwo or more heights.

Referring to FIG. 6, a base 62 (e.g., pedestal, box, etc.) is providedat each upper and lower station 52, 54, 56. Base 62 includes a faucetassembly 64 and a dispenser shown as soap dispenser 66. Base 62 alsoincludes an upper surface 68 configured to provide space for storingitems while the user uses lavatory station. According to a preferredembodiment, upper surface 68 includes one or more projections 70configured to provide a dry surface to support personal items such aspurses, briefcases, documents, or the like. Projections 70 are disposedon a portion or the upper surface 68 of base 62 and is formed by ribs orspherical projections (shown as spherical projections in FIG. 6)extending upward from upper surface 68 of base 62 or by grooves, slots,or channels recessed from upper surface 68. According to an alternativeembodiment, the raised surface is a single flat surface sized anddesigned to have the dimensions of articles typically requiring stowingduring hand-washing (e.g., purses, wallets, briefcases, files, etc.)According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the raised surface israised approximately ¼ to ½ inch above the upper surface of thecountertop.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a lavatory system 72 according to an alternativeembodiment. Lavatory system 72 includes an upper station 74 and a lowerstation 76. Upper station 74 has an arcuate countertop 78 with an uppersurface 80 that is vertically and laterally offset from an upper surface82 of an arcuate countertop 84 of (adjacent) lower station 76. Upperstation 74 and lower station 76 are separate structures (i.e.,non-integral or non-unitary) that are configured to be visually integral(i.e., provide the appearance of a continuous design). The arcuateprofile of the adjacent countertops 78, 84 provide a correspondingtransition between concave and convex.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the lavatory system may include a mountingstructure 86 configured to provide support for any of a variety ofaccessories, (e.g., a shelf 88, a bud vase 90, mirror, monitor, one ormore light fixtures, one or more plumbing fixtures, or the like).Mounting structure 86 includes an arcuate base member 94 (e.g., rail,bar, tube, etc.) mounted to wall 16. (Alternatively, the base member maybe mounted to the lavatory deck or other structure.) Each shelf 88includes a pair of brackets 96 having a shelf support member 100 and abase member interface 98 (shown as a downward facing channel). Shelves88 may be fastened to brackets 96 by fasteners or the like. Each vase 90includes a bracket 102 having vase support member 104 and a base memberinterface 106. According to alternative embodiments, the base member,support members, or the base member interfaces may have any of a varietyof shapes or configurations.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the multiple tier lavatory deck as shown in thepreferred and other exemplary embodiments are illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art whoreview this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modificationsare possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapesand proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materiallydeparting from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matterrecited in the claims. For example, the lavatory system may have anynumber of stations located at any number of heights. Also, the lavatorydeck may have any of a variety of configurations, materials, andstations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present invention as defined in theappended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method stepsmay be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Inthe claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover thestructures described herein as performing the recited function and notonly structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Othersubstitutions, modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made inthe design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent invention as expressed in the appended claims.

1. A lavatory system comprising: a first station providing a firstarcuate countertop with a first basin at a first height; a secondstation providing a second arcuate countertop with a second basin at asecond height; a support surface located above at least one of the firststation and the second station, the support surface comprising aplurality of projections; wherein the first height is different than thesecond height.
 2. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein the top of atleast one of the first basin and the second basin is generallyhorizontal.
 3. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein the first arcuatecountertop is concave.
 4. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein thefirst arcuate countertop is convex.
 5. The lavatory system of claim 1wherein the first arcuate countertop is concave and the second arcuatecountertop is convex.
 6. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein thefirst arcuate countertop is adjacent to the second arcuate countertop.7. The lavatory system of claim 6 wherein the first arcuate countertopis integrally formed with the second arcuate countertop.
 8. The lavatorysystem of claim 1 wherein the first station and the second station aremounted to a wall.
 9. The lavatory system of claim 1 further comprisinga base which supports the supporting surface.
 10. The lavatory system ofclaim 9 wherein the base is supported by at least one of the firstarcuate countertop and the second articulate countertop.
 11. Thelavatory system of claim 9 wherein the base supports a faucet assembly.12. The lavatory system of claim 1 wherein the support surface issupported by a member mounted above at least one of the first stationand the second station.
 13. The lavatory system of claim 12 wherein theat least one accessory is mounted to the member.
 14. The lavatory systemof claim 12 wherein the member is arcuate.
 15. The lavatory system ofclaim 1 wherein the projections are spherical projections.
 16. Alavatory system comprising: a first station providing a first arcuatecountertop at a first height; a second station providing a secondarcuate countertop at a second height that is different than the firstheight; a first support surface located above the first station and asecond support surface located above the second station, the firstsupport surface and the second support surface each comprising aplurality of projections; wherein at least one of the first station andthe second station includes a basin.
 17. The lavatory system of claim 16wherein the first support surface is coupled to the first arcuatecountertop and the second support surface is coupled to the secondarcuate countertop.
 18. The lavatory system of claim 16 wherein theplurality of projections are spherical projections.
 19. A lavatorysystem comprising: a first station providing a first arcuate countertopwith a first basin at a first height; a second station providing asecond arcuate countertop with a second basin at a second height that isdifferent than the first height; a support surface located above atleast one of the first station and the second station, the supportsurface comprising a plurality of projections; wherein the first arcuatecountertop and the second arcuate countertop form a substantiallycontinuous curved countertop.
 20. The lavatory system of claim 19wherein the projections are spherical projections.